Performers

Since 2008, Acrobat, a ferocious quintet of improvisers has been pushing the boundaries of chamber music and jazz through radical interpretations of composers like Dmitri Shostakovich and Witold Lutosławski. Hinged around New York’s creative music scene, the members of Acrobat view all styles as fair game. From straight ahead and avant jazz, chamber and symphonic works, cartoon music and powerful funk grooves, a new way of experiencing the classical canon is revealed: beautiful, vicious, elegant, and dissonant. Bandleader Michael Bates’ adventurous approach dates back to his early experiences as classical music loving, punk rock and hardcore bassist who went to jazz school. After hearing the luminary groups of John Zorn, the Clusone Trio, Dave Holland, and Charms of the Night Sky, a path forward emerged. After years of studying scores and playing orchestral music in every imaginable venue, Acrobat was formed. A band where orchestration options are limitless and a group filled with kindred progressive chamber musicians: Marty Ehrlich, Fung Chern Hwei, Sara Schoenbeck, and Michael Sarin. Having collectively performed with icons like Muhal Richard Abrams, Uri Caine, Anthony Braxton, Donny McCaslin, Dave Douglas, Julius Hemphill, Wadada Leo Smith, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Chucho Valdés and many more, these musicians bring a wealth of experience to the music.